§ Mr. SUGDENasked the President of the Board of Education why the grants 1957W under the Government s scheme for the higher education of officers and men who served in the War are being delayed; and if he is aware that the same is causing financial hardship to many men desirous of continuing their studies?
§ Mr. FISHERThe delay, which I much regret, is due entirely to shortage of staff, the great pressure of work now falling upon the office of the Board of Education, and the large influx of applications forwarded before the holidays. Every effort is being made to accelerate the consideration of the applications of ex-Service students for grants and the payment of the grants. Improvements have been effected, and applications are now being passed at the rate of 100 a day.